BREA – Valencia’s offense was far from perfect. But the Tigers’ defense – for the second game in a row – was everything it needed to be.
Despite a handful of Valencia turnovers, that defense paved the way for the Tigers’ 21-0 nonleague shutout over Brea Olinda on Friday night at Brea Olinda High.
Valencia (2-0) has yet to allow a touchdown this season.
“Defense played well, they made plays when they had to,” Valencia coach Mike Marrujo said. “The way our defense has been playing, three points (allowed) in two games, we’ll take that.”
The Tigers started their second drive of the game from the Wildcats’ 45-yard line. Five plays later, they had the game’s first score – all the offense they’d need – on Pat Godoy’s 36-yard scramble down the left sideline.
Brea Olinda (0-2) answered with a seven-play drive to Valencia’s 14-yard line after a 39-yard run by Billy Hanley. Then it got sloppy.
Three consecutive fumbles followed – each resulting in a change of possession – and the Tigers ended up with the ball.
“We’ve got to stop our little blunders,” Brea coach Robb Perrance said. “This team’s got a lot of fight. They’re battlers.”
Valencia junior backup quarterback Tyler Switzer – who entered the game after a big hit hobbled Godoy midway through the second quarter – completed eight of 14 passes for 140 yards, two touchdowns and one interception.
On his second drive, he arced a 24-yard pass to the back of the end zone that found a diving Jake Watkins. The score gave Valencia a 14-0 lead with a minute remaining in the second quarter.
Valencia added a third score in the fourth quarter on Switzer’s second touchdown pass of the night, a 46-yarder that deflected off a Brea defender to receiver Jackson Mirth, who trotted into the end zone.
Valencia’s Will Van Dam rushed for 92 yards on 17 carries.
Hanley again provided the bulk of Brea Olinda’s offense, rushing for 90 yards on 14 carries. The Wildcats will look for their first win against Diamond Bar next week.
Valencia will test its defense against El Dorado in Week 3.
“We have to clean it up,” Marrujo said. “We were fortunate to get out of here with a win.”
Contact the writer: mhanlon@ocregister.com
